Aged-care residents get into groove

A show-stopping performance at Bendigo’s Mercy Health Bethlehem Home for the Aged has brought the house down.

Performers from dance group BEAM put on a show at the aged care center in Bendigo this afternoon.

BEAM is an all-abilities dance group which includes people with disabilities who might otherwise struggle with dance classes.

Bethlehem leisure and lifestyle coordinator Kylie Paxton said the performance was a great way to get more children into the facility.

She said residents always enjoyed the company of younger visitors.

“Just watching what kids say and do in their normal lives brings a lot of joy to our residents,” Ms Paxton said.

The performance was not just entertaining, Ms Paxton said. It was also an important piece of musical therapy for those residents with health issues or who needed a little cheer.

“They love music. Music takes them back to when they were younger. It can help them reminisce by triggering memories – especially if someone has a song which they attached a lot of meaning to,” Ms Paxton said.